Sludge

[10] There is also increasing concern over "forever chemicals" like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that can accumulate in sludge and pose long-term environmental risks.

In the United States, for instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the safe disposal and reuse of sludge through its "Part 503" regulations.

These standards regulate sludge applied to land, incinerated, or placed in surface disposal sites, addressing pollutant limits, pathogen and vector reduction, management practices, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting.

[12] The directive aims to promote the safe use of sewage sludge in agriculture while protecting human health, soil, water, and the environment.

The Directive also supports the EU's waste hierarchy by encouraging safe recycling of nutrients like phosphorus, aligning with circular economy principles and the European Green Deal's zero pollution goals.

Using treated sludge as an alternative to chemical fertilizers reduces dependence on raw material extraction but requires strict control to avoid spreading contaminants.

A 2014 evaluation of the SSD highlighted shortcomings due to its outdated framework, including gaps in addressing modern pollutants (e.g., pharmaceuticals, microplastics) and its alignment with the EU's circular economy goals.